The Reluctant First Lady (21 page)

Ashley dialed Oprah’s number.

“Good morning, Ms. Winfrey’s office. May I help you?”

“Yes, this is Ashley Taylor calling, and I’m actually returning Ms. Winfrey’s call. Is she available?”

“Please hold, and I’ll check.”

Ashley waited just a few minutes before she heard the voice that millions could identify.

“Hello, Mrs. Taylor. Thank you so much for returning my call.”

“Please, call me Ashley.”

“Okay, but only if you agree to call me Oprah.”

“I don’t think that will be hard at all since that’s how I’ve referred to you for many years.”

“I must say, Ashley, I was very impressed with President Taylor’s campaign message and his inauguration speech. But, you must realize, as much as everyone wants to know about our new president, they’re even more interested in you. Would you meet with me to discuss a possible interview?”

“I don’t have to tell you how crazy my life has been since I made the choice I did. I’ve debated for several months about whether or not to give an interview and finally decided to do one, and I’d like it to be with you. So, the answer is yes.”

“I’m so pleased to hear that. Could you meet with me next week? Say Wednesday or Thursday?”

“Hmm . . . I can meet with you on Thursday in the afternoon. Will that work for you?”

Yes, it will. I’m really looking forward to finally meeting you.”

“I feel the same way. Could we meet here at my office? Would that be too inconvenient?”

“No, I can make that work.”

“Well, fine then. I can meet with you on Thursday at one o’clock. And, Oprah, I want you to know I’m still very nervous about doing an interview. In all honesty, I hate interviews, but I’m willing to put my trust in you.”

“I understand completely. I’ll see you at your office next week.”

After Ashley hung up, she mentally ticked through the phone calls she’d just made. Yes, she was definitely getting back into the swing of things. There were always things to deal with and fires to put out, but she was doing the work she loved and was trying to settle into an exaggerated life filled with all the trappings that went along with being the wife of the president. She hated the media attention; however, she acknowledged it would probably never get any better while Michael was in office and recognized it could get a whole lot worse.

The next day, she was exactly on time for her meeting with Robert. She held out her hand to greet him. “I’m so glad to see you. How have you been?”

Robert took her hand, then pulled her in for a hug. “I’m fine but anxious to hear about you.”

“Hold on there. You’ve made me wait for over a month to hear what you wanted to talk about. Time’s up. What gives? We can chitchat later.”

“Typical Ashley. No small talk; cutting right to the chase. Would you like something to drink before we begin? Coffee, water, something stronger?”

“Why? Am I going to need it?”

“I’d say probably not although I’m not too sure about me. At any rate, it’s good to see you. Audrey and I watched all the television coverage. It’s pretty rare to see a man we know so well in the Oval Office. We expect great things from him. But more importantly, how did you fare with all the hype surrounding the inauguration?’

“I managed. I loved being with Michael for a whole month; the rest I tolerated. We had a little time with Jeremy and Juliette, but there’s never enough time to be with the people you love, is there? Okay, I’d say you’ve stalled long enough. What is it you wanted to see me about?”

“There’s something important I’ve been wanting to discuss with you; however, I want you to promise me you’ll hear me out and you won’t get all riled up.”

“Any meeting that starts with a statement like that can’t be good. The most I can promise is I’ll listen.”

“That’s good enough. Ashley, you know how important you are to me and my organization. You’re an invaluable part of our family business and a good friend, and I want to see you happy. I would like you to consider transferring to the Washington, DC, museum. Working in Washington just might meet more of your needs. You’d still be doing the work you love, but you could see Michael every day, or at least you’d have the possibility of seeing him.”

Ashley stood up immediately, sat down, then stood up again. She didn’t know how to deal with all of her pent-up frustrations. She knew Robert was making this offer not based on the quality of her work; on the contrary, he was trying to make things more workable for her and Michael.

“What are you thinking?” Robert interrupted her thoughts.

“I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m frustrated that you’re trying to iron out my life.”

“I’m not insisting you transfer; I’m offering you a chance to move to Washington, continue to work at a job you love, and be closer to your husband, whom you just told me you missed. If you and Ted switch museums, it would make things a lot easier on you.”

“Please tell me you haven’t talked to Ted about this.”

“I haven’t. I wanted to discuss it with you first. I think it’s a good solution to the dilemma you’re in, and I don’t think Ted would mind.”

Ashley began pacing. “First I don’t want anyone making accommodations for me because of whom I’m married to. Hasn’t anybody been listening? Secondly Ted has been with you as long as I have, and he’s always said how much he loves the Washington museum. Third, yes, working in Washington would give me a chance to be closer to Michael, but it would also force me to be around the political world I detest so much. And lastly, I love working and living in New York. You know how much I love this city.

“I understand what you’re trying to do. I know you have my best interests at heart. Even so, I don’t want other people inconvenienced or pressured on my behalf because of Michael. Please tell me that you haven’t had any conversations with my husband and that the two of you didn’t cook up this offer?”

“I haven’t spoken to anyone about this idea. I know you love New York and would prefer working here rather than in Washington, but aren’t you putting your love of New York before the love you have for Michael?”

“It’s not that simple, Robert. Of course, I love Michael more than I do New York. Although the New York museum is the star of your organization, it’s still not the reason I want to stay here. I hate politics; Washington equals politics. Missing Michael is huge for me; nonetheless, please give me the courtesy of finding a solution that best fits Michael and me.

“I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything to Ted. It’s not something I want him to worry about although, knowing Ted, I’m sure it’s already crossed his mind. Please accept the fact that this is what I want for now. I love my work here and am proud of what I’ve accomplished.

“Think about it, Robert. What’s really changed, except now Michael is the president? When he was in Congress and the Senate, we had the same living arrangements we do now. Why all of a sudden does everyone want me to live in Washington? Don’t answer that; I already know the answer. We’ve managed our commuter marriage for years. We aren’t crazy about it; still we accept that it’s been a necessity,” Ashley said, winding down.

Robert raised his hands in surrender. “All right, I give. However, I want you to know the door is always open for negotiations on this topic if you should change your mind.”

“I appreciate that, and thank you for caring enough to make the suggestion. Now how about some good news that should make you fairly happy?”

“Shoot. I can always make room in my day for good news.”

“To date, the Black Tie Dinner has brought in over eight and a half million dollars. Plus, Geoffrey Carruthers called and invited me to lunch tomorrow to discuss his becoming a board member, and he also wants to establish an endowment for the museum.” Ashley smiled like the Cheshire Cat in
Alice in Wonderland
.

Robert gazed at the pleasure he saw on Ashley’s face. She really did love her job and reveled in every accomplishment made on behalf of the museum.

“Nice going, although I never doubted for one moment the fund-raiser wouldn’t be a huge success. I told you; you’re my muse. It’s interesting that Geoffrey wants to become a board member and set up an endowment. While he’s always been a consistent and generous patron in the past, he’s never shown as much interest in the museum as he’s showing now. I’d be cautious, Ashley. Geoffrey usually has ulterior motives. He may be hoping to reach Michael through you somehow.”

“I’m well aware that people may try to use me in ways they haven’t before in hopes of scoring points with my husband. It’s insulting but a reality I have to deal with. At any rate, I’ll give you a call after lunch tomorrow and fill you in on the juicy details. I need to run for now. I’m meeting with one of our benefactors who’s interested in donating a painting to the museum from her private collection.

“Robert, thanks for caring about me so much. I truly appreciate it. I’ll be in touch.” Ashley moved toward Robert’s office door. As she opened it, she asked, “If Ted were to call you about transferring here, you’d let me know, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes, I would. Ted is a great guy, and I think if he was thinking along those lines, he’d call you first. So if that happens, you’d let me know, wouldn’t you?”

“Absolutely. Talk to you later.”

At the end of her workday, Ashley was curled up before a fire with a book in her lap and a cup of aromatic tea sitting next to her on an end table. She gazed hypnotically into the fire searching for answers. There was always something comforting about a fire. She chalked it up to something genetically imprinted in humans that celebrated their thrill at mastering fire. While the flames danced, she thought about her day.

Contrary to what everyone seemed to think, she felt as if she and Michael were on the downside of the years of separation. They had already lived apart for a great portion of each year for almost two decades. It didn’t seem so far in the future anymore that the day would come when they could live together permanently. Wouldn’t it be ironic if they had more trouble living together than living apart?

29

Ashley was running late for her meeting with Geoffrey Carruthers, and she suspected that a man like him was not used to waiting. She also thought being late probably diminished a person’s esteem in his eyes. Further, she truthfully didn’t have even a semblance of a good reason for being late. Time had simply gotten away from her again, and even taking into account the Secret Service escort, the city traffic was simply not in favor of her reaching her destination on time.

She didn’t have Geoffrey’s cell number with her, so she called the restaurant and asked to speak with Mr. Carruthers, that is, if he was still there.

He came on the line almost immediately. “Hello, Carruthers here.”

“Hi, Geoffrey; it’s Ashley. I’m running late. I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Would you prefer to reschedule for another day?”

“Where are you now?”

Ashley described her current location. “I should be there in another fifteen minutes.”

“No problem. I’ll have some appetizers and wine ready for you when you arrive so you can catch your breath.”

“Thanks. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

After hanging up, Ashley noted she was getting the full and quite focused attention Mr. Carruthers was so famous for with the ladies. Why would he bother turning on the charm for her? Probably something to do with Michael although it was quite possible that those characteristics were so ingrained in his personality, he didn’t even realize he was doing it.

Geoffrey was thinking along quite different lines. He suspected a woman like Ashley would feel certain indebtedness to him for having arrived late. He would almost bet she was a very organized and precise person when it came to her work. This perceived inconvenience to him could work to his advantage.

Suddenly she was walking toward him. She looked ravishing, which led him to imagine what she would look like in his bed in the morning after a full night of lovemaking. The only thing marring her beauty was the Secret Service, who placed themselves around the room in order to keep an eye on her and the entrance and exits to the restaurant.

She was wearing a white lacy blouse tucked into a long, dark-green velvet skirt. It was accentuated by a large gold-coin belt worn slightly askew, which accentuated her slim hips and figure. Quite unconventional compared to the wardrobes of the majority of working women with whom he was acquainted. Her blonde hair was loose and windblown, but she looked absolutely stunning.

He arose as she approached their table and took her hand in his. He wanted to place a kiss on the back of it, but that would have been inappropriate at this stage. He felt satisfied to have her hand in his. He gently squeezed it, acknowledging her greeting. He could smell her distinctive perfume, which he guessed might be Dior’s Poison, a fragrance he very much appreciated. He wished he had the privilege of watching her apply it. With luck, one day he might.

“I’m so sorry I’m late. I have no excuse. I wish I did so I wouldn’t feel so guilty.”

“No need to worry. I was able to make good use of the extra time you gave me. With iPhones and iPads, a person can run a business from almost anywhere. Ah, here are our appetizers and some wine. I thought you could use a little time to catch your breath before we order lunch and get down to business.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, but wouldn’t it be better if we just got down to business? After all, I’ve already wasted enough of your time,” Ashley remarked.

“Ashley, relax. It’s obvious you’ve been rushing around all morning. Take a moment to catch your breath. Enjoy the appetizers and wine. We’ll get to our business over lunch. Tell me, how did you enjoy all of the inaugural activities? Naturally I saw it on television; even so, I’d love to hear your firsthand account.”

Ashley’s first thought was
Aha, he’s looking to make a connection to me because of Michael.
Her second thought was how tired she was of recounting the inauguration for others, but not to respond would be rude. “The experience was both exhausting and very sobering. I would have preferred to put my head under a pillow and ignore it all. Unfortunately that wasn’t an option. Also, being in the thick of things felt very surreal, almost like watching a movie. I kept wanting to say, ‘Cut’ and ‘Scene.’ I wish I could protect Michael from all the turmoil and stress that comes with the office, but I recognize how unrealistic that is.”